Omnipath Medical Laboratories

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Omnipath Medical Laboratories has been affiliated with the European Society for External Quality Assessment since 2013.

We are excited to share that we passed AGAIN, this year's round of assessments and this is now the 10th year running! We take our affiliation very seriously and we are happy that this is proof that we continue to deliver efficient, world class service.

At Omnipath Medical Laboratories, our PASSION to preserve lives drives PERFECTION! We remain committed to delivering top notch Quality service.

The European Society for external quality assessment (ESfEQA) offers a variety of external quality tests to medical laboratories in the areas of biochemistry, hematology, immunology and microbiology.
Monthly and quarterly programs from ESfEQA are available to the users and managers responsible for quality standards in medical laboratories. The ESfEQA quality assessment samples and the ESfEQA service are characterized by a high quality, reliability, simplicity of use and flexibility.

https://www.esfeqa.eu/en/home/

World AIDS Day – December 1, 2022

Why Is Getting Tested for HIV Important?

Taking an HIV test is the only way to know if you have the virus. Because symptoms of AIDS can take years to develop, it’s essential to get tested even if you feel fine. Knowing your HIV status — whether you test positive or negative for the disease — is a vital step in getting treatment and preventing the disease from spreading.

HIV spreads from person to person through bodily fluids like blood and semen. This means that some of the most common ways people contract HIV are through unprotected s*x and sharing needles during drug use. If you’ve engaged in these behaviors with someone whose HIV status is unknown, it’s important to get tested. Once you know your status, you can get treatment and take steps to avoid spreading HIV to others.

What Are the Benefits of HIV Testing?

Knowing your HIV status is a great way to protect your health and the health of the people you care about. There are many benefits of getting tested for HIV, whether your results are negative or positive:

1. The test is fast and easy:

During an HIV test, doctors take a blood or saliva sample to analyze. You’ll know whether you have the virus in around 20 minutes. An HIV test is almost always free.
You can live a healthier life: If your test results show you have HIV, you can get the treatment you need to stay healthy. Today, antiretroviral drugs make it possible for people with HIV to live long, normal lives.

2. You can protect your partners:

When you know your HIV status, you can take steps to protect your current and future s*xual partners and encourage previous partners to get tested, as well.

3. It can give you peace of mind:

If you think you might have HIV, you might feel nervous about getting tested. It’s normal to feel worried about your status, but it’s always better to take action than to ignore your concern. Getting an HIV test can give you peace of mind.

Visit Omnipath Medical Laboratories and have a FREE HIV test today.

International Stress Awareness Week 2022

2022 Theme: WORKING TOGETHER TO BUILD RESILIENCE AND REDUCE STRESS

International Stress Awareness Week 2022 takes place from Monday 7 November to Friday 11 November. It is a major annual event focusing on stress management and campaigning against the stigma associated with stress and mental health issues.

It was created by the International Stress Management Association (ISMA) in 2018 to raise awareness about stress prevention. The highlight of the week is Stress Awareness Day, which takes place this year on Wednesday 9 November and features the Online Global Stress and Well being Summit.

There are a number of actions people can take to reduce their stress levels.

1. One strategy to change unhelpful thoughts is to take a self-compassion break. “Ask yourself, ‘What do I need right now?’ Then, do something nice for yourself,” suggests The New York Times.

2. Human connection and spending time in nature can also help, according to scientists. Activities like gardening, for example, have been found to significantly boost mental health.

3. Mindfulness meditation has been found to be beneficial, too. The process can change unhelpful thoughts and help stress-sufferers to become aware of the present moment, and therefore less caught up in negative patterns of thinking.

Movember 2022 – Men’s Health Awareness Month

Movember is an annual event involving the growing of moustaches during the month of November to raise awareness of men's health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men's su***de.

Why Men’s Health?

The state of men’s health is in a crisis. Simply put, men are dying too young.

Gender is one of the strongest and most consistent predictors of health and life expectancy. For men, this is not good news. On average, across the world, men die 6 years earlier than women.

Moreover, poor mental health affects men more than women: three quarters of su***des are by men. The World Health Organization estimates that 510,000 men die from su***de globally each year. That’s one every minute.

The impact of prostate and testicular cancer on lives is substantial, with prostate cancer being the second most common cancer in men worldwide and the number of cases expected to almost double to 1.7 million cases by 2030.
This is why people from across the globe become a united voice every Movember, bringing vital funding and attention to the hidden men’s health crisis.

The first ever Zimbabwe Medical Laboratory Science Students International Conference is a few hours away!

Amongst the respected Speakers is Omnipath Medical Laboratories' very own Chief Microbiolgist and founder- Honourable Mr W.Mbiri .

He will share insight on Innovation, Entreprenuership and Creativeness Virtues in this VUCA environment.

Omnipath Medical Laboratories- Kwekwe Branch

For all your laboratory tests, visit us in Kwekwe at Fidelity Life Center Building, in the CBD along Amaveni Road in Kwekwe.

No need for booking, simply walk in and we will assist you.

Customer Service Week - Monday 3 October to Friday 7 October 2022.

Every year, Customer Service Week falls during the first full week in October.

What is Customer Service Week?

Customer Service Week is an international celebration that calls attention to the importance of customer service and the people who provide it, with these goals:

# Boost morale and teamwork,

# Reward employees for the significant work they do,

# Raise awareness of the value of customer service,

# Thank other departments for their support,

# Remind those who buy your products or use your services of the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction.

We value each and every patient that comes our way and we wish you well in all your personal endevours.

October Breast Cancer Awareness

2022 Theme: 'Close the care gap'

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. In 2020, there were 2.3 million women diagnosed with breast cancer and 685 000 deaths globally. As of the end of 2020, there were 7.8 million women alive who were diagnosed with breast cancer in the past 5 years, making it the world’s most prevalent cancer. Nevertheless, when found early, and if adequate diagnosis and treatment are available, there is a good chance that breast cancer can be cured.

HOW TO REDUCE YOUR RISK OF BREAST CANCER

Reduce your risk of breast cancer by making better behavioural choices which include:

*Maintaining a healthy weight,

*Staying physically active,

*Avoiding harmful use of alcohol,

*Breastfeeding,

*Quitting to***co use and avoiding exposure to to***co smoke,

*Avoiding the prolonged use of hormones,

*Avoiding excessive exposure to radiation.

Symptoms of breast cancer include:

*Change in ni**le appearance or alteration in the skin surrounding the ni**le (ar**la),

*Bloody or abnormal ni**le discharge,

*A lump or thickening in the breast,

*Change in breast colour,

*Pitting of the breast skin,

*Breast or ni**le pain,

NB. There are many reasons for lumps to develop in the breast, most of which are not cancer. As many as 90% of breast masses are not cancerous. Non-cancerous breast abnormalities include benign masses like fibroadenomas and cysts as well as infections. However, If you think you have one or more of the above symptoms, don’t wait and seek medical care immediately.

Omnipath Medical Laboratories - Chivhu Branch

Our goal is to continually aid in the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of health practitioner’s patients. Omnipath Medical Laboratories' mission is to increase accessibility of affordable laboratory testing to both private and public health care.

For all laboratory tests, food handlers' and travel examinations, visit any of our branches today. No need to book an appointment. Simply walk in.

We are at no. 377 Mainstreet in Chivhu. Opposite Chivhu Magistrate Court.

Full blood count (FBC)

This is a test to check the types and numbers of cells in your blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.

This can help give an indication of your general health, as well as provide important clues about certain health problems you may have.

For example, an FBC may detect signs of:

• Iron deficiency anaemia or vitamin B12
• Deficiency anaemia
• Infection or inflammation
• Bleeding or clotting disorders

Visit Omnipath Medical Laboratories at any of our branches countrywide and have you FBC test while you wait🙂.

HOW TO STAY HYDRATED

• Sip water throughout the day.
Don’t wait until you’re thirsty! Drink water throughout the day to prevent dehydration or over exhaustion.

• Use the color of your urine to guide whether you’re hydrated enough — the clearer, the better.

• Choose sugar-free juice
All-natural juice without added sugar not only provides hydration, but it also has important nutrients to keep you active and nourished in hot weather. Vitamin C is just one of them.

• Check the label on the juice bottle and make sure it says “100 percent juice with no sugar added.”

• Avoid alcohol
While an ice-cold cocktail — complete with a little paper umbrella — might sound good on the beach, it won’t be as refreshing to your body. That’s because alcohol only dehydrates you more.

If you can’t barbecue without a brew, drink a bottle of water between each alcoholic beverage to stay hydrated.

Like alcohol, caffeine also has a reputation for being dehydrating. However, caffeine should be fine to consume in moderate amounts, even in the heat.

We take great pleasure in announcing the opening of our new branch in Chivhu.
We promise to maintain the same quality of service and deliver everything that our patrons need.

This new venture has been made possible by your immense support and continued interest in our business. We wish to be at the receiving end of the same even in the future.

Gastroparesis Awareness Month

August is Gastroparesis Awareness Month, which is dedicated to improving understanding and management of the disease. Gastroparesis, also known as delayed gastric emptying, is a chronic condition that affects the stomach muscles and prevents proper movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine.

SYMPTOMS

° Nausea
° Vomiting undigested food
°Feeling full after eating only a small amount of food
° Stomach pain
° Lack of appetite
° Acid reflux
° Abdominal bloating.

Symptoms may vary in intensity and frequency.

They may also be aggravated by having rich foods, greasy foods, foods with a lot of fiber, and carbonated beverages.

WHAT CAUSES IT?

The most commonly known cause of gastroparesis is diabetes, which can damage the vagus nerve. Intestinal surgery and nervous system diseases may also be to blame in some cases.

DIAGNOSIS

Blood tests can show signs of dehydration, malnutrition, inflammation, and infection. Blood tests can also show whether your blood glucose levels are too high or too low.

Urine tests can show signs of diabetes, dehydration, infection, and kidney problems.

WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK 1-7 AUGUST 2022

Breastfeeding is key to sustainable development strategies post-pandemic, as it improves nutrition, ensures food security and reduces inequalities between and within countries. The theme is aligned with the thematic area 1 of the WBW-SDG 2030 campaign which highlights the links between breastfeeding and good nutrition, food security and reduction of inequalities.

WORLD HEPATITIS DAY

What is hepatitis?

Hepatitis refers to an inflammatory condition of the liver. It is commonly the result of a viral infection, but there are other possible causes of hepatitis.

These include autoimmune hepatitis and hepatitis that occurs as a secondary result of medications, drugs, toxins, and alcohol. Autoimmune hepatitis is a disease that occurs when your body makes antibodies against your liver tissue.

The five main viral classifications of hepatitis are hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. A different virus is responsible for each type of viral hepatitis.

Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is the result of an infection with the hepatitis A virus (HAV). This type of hepatitis is an acute, short-term disease.

Hepatitis B
The hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes hepatitis B. This is often an ongoing, chronic condition.

Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C comes from the hepatitis C virus (HCV). HCV is among the most common bloodborne viral infections in the United States and typically presents as a long-term condition.

Hepatitis D
This is a rare form of hepatitis that only occurs in conjunction with hepatitis B infection. The hepatitis D virus (HDV) causes liver inflammation like other strains, but a person cannot contract HDV without an existing hepatitis B infection.

Hepatitis E
Hepatitis E is a waterborne disease that results from exposure to the hepatitis E virus (HEV). Hepatitis E is mainly found in areas with poor sanitation and typically results from ingesting f***l matter that contaminates the water supply.

CAUSES OF NON INFECTIOUS HEPATITIS

Although hepatitis is most commonly the result of an infection, other factors can cause the condition.

Alcohol and other toxins
Excess alcohol consumption can cause liver damage and inflammation. This may also be referred to as alcoholic hepatitis.

The alcohol directly injures the cells of your liver. Over time, it can cause permanent damage and lead to thickening or scarring of liver tissue (cirrhosis) and liver failure.

Other toxic causes of hepatitis include misuse of medications and exposure to toxins.

Count down to World Hepatitis Day (28 July 2022)

THEME: "I CAN'T WAIT"

‘I can’t wait’ is the new campaign theme to launch World Hepatitis Day 2022. It will highlight the need to accelerate the fight against viral hepatitis and the importance of testing and treatment for the real people who need it. The campaign will amplify the voices of people affected by viral hepatitis calling for immediate action and the end of stigma and discrimination.

With a person dying every 30 seconds from a hepatitis related illness – we can’t wait to act on viral hepatitis.

People living with viral hepatitis unaware CAN'T WAIT for testing.

People living with hepatitis CAN'T WAIT for life saving treatments.

Expectant mothers CAN'T WAIT for hepatitis screening and treatment.

Newborn babies CAN'T WAIT for birth dose vaccination.

People affected by hepatitis CAN'T WAIT to end stigma and discrimination

Community organizations CAN'T WAIT for greater investment.

Decision makers CAN'T WAIT and must act now to make hepatitis elimination a reality through political will and funding.

PAMUMVURI 3RD BREAKFAST MEETING

The theme of the event was : Tackling the menace among sports personalities and entertainers.

Substance abuse refers to the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs. One of the key impacts of illicit drug use on society is the negative health consequences experienced by its members. Drug use also puts a heavy financial burden on individuals, families and society.

Substance abuse differs from addiction. Many people with substance abuse problems are able to quit or can change their unhealthy behavior. Addiction, on the other hand, is a disease. It means you can’t stop using even when your condition causes you harm.

We need to be aware of what is happening and offer support to everyone around us.

If you suspect that a child or a loved one is abusing drugs, visit any of our branches in Harare, Kwekwe and Rusape and have them take the Drug Toxicology test to find out which drug they are using and thereafter seek help.

#apartnerinhealthcare

According to UNESCO Global Coordinator for HIV and AIDS Chris Castle, “HIV education can help learners to not only develop and maintain safer behaviours, but also reduce stigma and discrimination towards people affected by, and living with, HIV.”

Thank you Imunzi in partnership with University of Zimbabwe. HIV counselling and testing the students went very well🙂

Types of Men’s Health Tests

A wide variety of tests are available that can help promote men’s health depending on a person’s individual circumstances.

Some tests are routine forms of screening that are often performed as part of a regular check-up with your doctor:

1.Physical exam:
A basic physical exam can reveal or examine various types of potential problems.

2. Bodyweight and body mass index (BMI) calculation:
Taking your weight and height can help determine if you are overweight or obese.

3. Blood pressure reading:
Recording your blood pressure, usually with a cuff that wraps around your upper arm, can document high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, which can contribute to cardiovascular problems.

4. Full / Complete blood count (FBC / CBC):
This blood test measures the levels of different types of blood cells.

5. Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP):
This test involves several different measurements that provide insights about metabolism as well as liver and kidney function.

Depending on your age, overall health, and risk factors, your doctor may recommend one or more screening tests for different medical conditions.

Examples of possible screening tests are

Diabetes - (Fasting glucose tests, hemoglobin A1c)

Cardiovascular disease - (Lipid panel)

Depression / anxiety - (Mental health questionnaires)

HIV - (HIV testing)

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) - (Chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis testing)

Colon cancer - (Colonoscopy, f***l occult blood test (FOBT), stool DNA test)

Prostate cancer -Prostate specific antigen (PSA) test

What Is Men’s Health?

Fathers' Day is upon us. As we join the rest of the world in honoring all fathers, grandfathers and father figures for their contributions, we also encourage them to get regular health check ups.

Men’s health focuses on elements of wellness that only apply to men or that affect men at higher rates or in ways that are distinct from women.

On average, men live five years fewer than women. More than 40% of adult men live with obesity, and over half have high blood pressure. Diseases like prostate cancer only occur in men, and some high-risk lifestyle habits, such as use of alcohol and ci******es, are more common in men.

Despite these health concerns, men are more likely to avoid going to the doctor to get the medical care and tests they need. An emphasis on men’s health involves promoting positive lifestyle habits, regular medical checkups, and testing to promptly identify potential health problems.

The Role of Testing in Men’s Health

Appropriate medical testing is one of several important components of men’s health. Depending on the circumstances, testing may be used for screening, diagnosis, and monitoring.

Screening
Screening is the medical term for looking for a potential problem before symptoms arise. For many conditions, screening leads to early detection that makes that problem easier to address. However, there can be downsides to screening, so the recommended tests for men depend on your age and overall health.

Diagnosis
Diagnosis is the process of determining the cause of a problem after you have developed signs or symptoms. A huge range of tests can be used for diagnosis depending on your symptoms. Discussing health changes or concerns with a doctor can help them determine the diagnostic tests that are most likely to identify the underlying issue.

What is a D-dimer test?

A D-dimer test is a blood test that measures D-dimer, which is a protein fragment that your body makes when a blood clot dissolves in your body. D-dimer is normally undetectable or only detectable at a very low level unless your body is forming and breaking down significant blood clots.
A positive or elevated D-dimer test result may indicate that you have a blood clotting condition, but it doesn’t guarantee that you have one. A D-dimer test can't reveal what type of clotting condition you have or where the clot is located in your body.

How does blood clotting work?

Blood clotting, when functioning for its intended or normal purpose, is an important and essential process that prevents you from losing too much blood when you get injured.

When a blood vessel or tissue in your body is injured and bleeds, your body kicks off a process called hemostasis to create a blood clot to limit blood loss and eventually stop the bleeding.

During the process of hemostasis, your body makes threads of a protein called fibrin, which weave together to form a fibrin net. The net, in addition to a type of cell called a platelet, helps anchor the forming blood clot in place until the injury heals. These blood clots may appear as scabs on your skin or bruises under your skin.

Once your injury has healed and your body no longer needs the blood clot, your body makes an enzyme called plasmin to break down the clot into small fragments in order to remove it. The fragments are known as fibrin degradation products, or fibrin split-products. D-dimer is one of those fibrin degradation products.

If you have a blood clotting condition, blood clots can form when you don’t have an injury, and/or they don’t break down when they should. In other words, your body’s blood clotting process isn’t working as it should. Blood clotting conditions can be serious and life-threatening.

Having a high D-dimer level in your blood can be a sign of a blood clotting disorder since the level of D-dimer can rise greatly when there’s significant formation and breakdown of blood clots in your body.

What is a D-dimer test used for?

D.dimer tests help determine if someone has a blood clotting condition, which include:

1. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT or venous thrombosis)

Deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot that develops in a vein deep in your body. The clot may partially or completely block blood flow through the vein. Most DVTs happen in your lower leg, thigh or pelvis, but they can also occur in other parts of your body including your arm, brain, intestines, liver or kidney.

2. Pulmonary embolism (PE)

A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot in your lung that happens when a clot in another part of your body (often your leg or arm) flows through your bloodstream and becomes lodged in the blood vessels of your lung.

3. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)

DIC causes too many blood clots to form in your body, which can cause organ damage and other serious complications. In addition to using a D-dimer test to help diagnose DIC, healthcare providers use the test to help monitor the effectiveness of DIC treatment.

4. Stroke:

A stroke, or "brain attack," happens when a blood vessel in your brain becomes blocked or bursts.

...to be continued....